This program offers up to $20,000 per project to enhance the safety of road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. These funds can be used for infrastructural improvements, policy or enforcement initiatives, educational campaigns, or other innovative projects that promote safer and more equitable travel around the community.
Projects that are a great fit for Vision Zero funding will make roads safer and better for people. This includes improving current road designs, changing areas used by cars to create better spaces for walking and biking, and projects focused on public education and road safety planning.
In addition, these projects must:
On November 6, 2024, we hosted an updated webinar to provide applicants with grant information and the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions. Last year's webinar can be viewed here.
This year's webinar:
Applicants may apply to one of two streams.
Please refer to Our Projects page for examples of funded projects and their program stream.
Stream #1 is for the design and installation of low‐cost infrastructural improvements - temporary (pilot) or permanent changes - to roadways. Funds can be used to support costs associated with acquiring engineering department or local government administrator approval for construction-related projects. Implementation of these projects may also involve contributions from partner organizations (e.g., for professional services, labour, materials) to supplement this grant.
This stream can also include other project goals, such as enacting policies or other proven or innovative initiatives that address vulnerable road user safety.
Stream #2 funds projects that are led by Indigenous communities and governments. This aligns with BC Government’s commitment to reconciliation and working with Indigenous governments in a government‐to‐government relationship. Indigenous communities can set and direct their own priorities.
Stream #2 grants may also include any items listed under Stream #1. It can extend to other Indigenous‐led road safety priorities, such as road safety planning, driver training, impaired driving, community consultations, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, a bike-share program, etc.
In British Columbia, road ownership and maintenance are divided between various levels of government. The majority of roads within cities, towns, and municipalities are owned and maintained by their respective local governments. Numbered highways, major routes, and rural roads are often under the jurisdiction of the provincial government through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI). Roads can also be privately owned. The level of government responsible for a road will generally be responsible for its maintenance, improvements, and enforcement of traffic regulations.
At this time, infrastructure projects on MoTI roads are not eligible for Vision Zero funding. However, our team of Injury Prevention Leads are more than happy to chat with you to learn more about your road concerns and connect you with other resources.
To find out who has jurisdiction over a road:
A.) You can email the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit with the road and a member of our team will verify its status for you OR
B.) To check the road status yourself, go to iMapBC and follow the instructions below:
Successful projects can receive up to $20,000 in funding dependent on its scope and its alignment with the Vision Zero Grant Program principles and goals.
Funding can be used for but not limited to:
Funding will not be provided for:
Grant recipients will be required to complete a midpoint check-in in September 2025, submit a final project evaluation report in April 2026, and applicable photos and communication materials to be uploaded on Vision Zero BC.
All applications must be submitted online via the grant portal by November 29, 2024 at 11:59pm PST.
Applicants have the option to complete the application form in text or an alternative format, including videos, audio files, PowerPoint presentations, etc. If you would like to submit through alternative means, please contact the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit for submission instructions.
